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Recently Rented

The Curious Case of Benjamin ButtonDespite the hype, I wasn't prepared for the style of the storytelling in this movie. The fable-like quality threw me off from beginning to end, and I never ended up caring all that much about any of the characters. I was also extremely distracted by the CGI used to make the characters look younger. Classic case of hype-overload. (***)

Revolutionary RoadAdaptations rarely please me as much as this one did mainly because the book had such a darkness too it, and seeing it brought to life in a way that I'd pictured it made it brighter somehow. The performances were exceptional as was the production in general, but in the end it's still a tragic story about very unhappy people. Be forewarned. (****)

Across the UniverseThere's something so satisfying about watching some of your all time favorite songs fictionalized on film. Normally I'm not a big fan of musicals, but for too many reasons to count, this one rocked! (*****)

No End in SightThe list of very prominent insiders who agreed to be interviewed in this exposé on the US failure in Iraq is, in a word, staggering. I was left feeling like someone had just been slapping me across the face for an hour and a half. You know, in a good way. (*****)

Gone Baby GoneIt's extremely rare that a movie make me contemplate my own morality to the point where I'm still hashing it out weeks later. Such a complex tale with overlapping story lines and intense emotions—3 cheers for Ben Affleck (and his wonderful cast) for totally pulling it off! Can't wait to see what he directs next time around. (*****)

The Business of Being BornAs much as I wanted to love this documentary (such a passionate subject for me), I only just liked it, a lot. I wished it could have been more profound, made its point more absolutely and been a lot less NYC elitish. Classic case of my hopes being sky high. It was good. Watch it. (****)

Into the WildProfound, inspiring and beautifully acted, this movie about making the most of our humanity is both uplifting and sentimental. Emile Hirsch bowled me over again and again. Loved Eddie Vedder's soundtrack too. (*****)

Eagle vs. SharkJemaine Clement, of Flight of the Conchords fame, is brilliantly despicable in this black romantic comedy from New Zealand. But as his lovesick girlfriend (sweet Loren Horsley) slowly learns more about why he's such a schmuck, you can't help but smile, cringe and wish them well. (****)

WaitressSuch a sweet, deadpan, non-cliché fairytale with the ever-adorable Keri Russell, not to mention Nathan Fillion, who is pure perction as her OB/GYN lover. I found it refreshing to see a pregnant character struggling to connect with her baby and accept what the future has in store. (****)

On my nightstand

Richard Dawkins: The God DelusionBought this at the airport, and if you ever want to conduct a little social experiment try reading a book about atheism on an airplane. My seat-mate was noticeably upset to be seated next to such a heathen. Dawkins is condescending and hostile, and as much as I appreciate what he's saying, his bravery for being the voice of reason and his commitment, I wish his message were able to reach more people. I suppose his target audience isn't devout believers, but perhaps he's paving the way for another visionary to reach out and deliver a similar message with a more approachable tone. (****)

Curtis Sittenfeld: American Wife: A NovelAn interesting perspective from this fictional first lady. It felt a little bit like a guilty pleasure, but that's mainly because I couldn't put it down. The final few chapters where the main character reflects on her culpability in her husband's legacy were fascinating. (****)

Michael Pollan: In Defense of Food: An Eater's ManifestoAfter a long library wait, I finally have this in my hot little hands, but now I'm having trouble actually picking it up. The first chapter leads me to believe this one isn't necessarily going to teach me anything I don't already know.

Laura Lippman: What the Dead Know: A NovelI felt shockingly undisturbed by this story of an infertile couple who loose their adopted teenage daughters to a kidnapper. The frequent time and perspective jumps didn't seem confusing some much as convoluted, and I'm always irritated when I figure out the big twist a chapter before it's revealed. (***)

Al Gore: The Assault on ReasonI don't usually find non-fiction books about politics to be page-turners, but this one has me on the edge. Deftly balances democratic ideals with the problems we face as modern-day, plugged-in Americans. (****)

Barbara Kingsolver: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food LifeInspiring, intelligent and passionate. I haven't read a Kingsolver book I didn't love, but she takes it to another level for me with this memoir of a year spent feeding her family with local and homegrown food. I'm already dreaming of an expanded garden this summer. (*****)

T.C. Boyle: Talk TalkRead this entire book in one blissful, hangover-induced stupor. I love the varied points of view of T.C. Boyle's novels. An identity thief, a deaf woman and a special effects artist--those are some pretty interesting perspectives... (****)

Listening to

Feist: Let It DieLovin' her. She walks a line between the emotional and tongue-in-cheek. Her BeeGee's cover, Inside & Out, is so, so fun. (*****)

Amy Winehouse: Back to BlackSo reminiscent of Dinah Washington and Barbara Lewis. Watch her acoustic sessions on youtube. There's no denying she's something special. I hope she gets her life together because I think she's a special talent. (****)

Feist: The ReminderEmbarrassing that it took an ad on the Apple website to turn me on to this amazing force. I am so smitten with her I can hardly stand it. (*****)